the one where i seem like a stalker.

You know that awkward moment when your dog is invited in to someone's house, but you aren't?

I know I've mentioned Claire's friend Rebel before... As a refresher, he is the sweet three-legged dog who often runs around the neighborhood during the day and returns to his home at night. Because he roams, he often meets us at the end of the driveway in the morning and accompanies us on our walks.

Rebel's family has a fenced in backyard, so sometimes I let them in so Claire can play off leash for a few minutes before we finish our walk. The other night, as Claire and I were walking by his house, he bounded around the corner and wanted to play. I noticed that no one was home, but figured that they wouldn't mind if I let Rebel and Claire hang out for a bit. After a few minutes, someone pulled into the driveway. I waved, and when the grandmother got out of the car, I explained that I'm not the Neighborhood Creeper - I often chat with her daughter and grandson if I see them, and they are very familiar with Claire. She didn't seem to have a problem with it, and she even told me that Rebel can come live with us "when [I'm] ready" because she needs to find him a good home with someone who can spend more time with him. Then she said she was going to go put some things in the house and would come back out in a second. Totally fine, right? Well, then she called for Rebel. And Claire. So they followed her, and I figured they would be out in "a second" - literally.

But no. A minute went by. Two minutes went by. Five minutes... And then I peeked in the window. Claire was sitting in front of the eight-year-old grandson getting loved on by their whole family. I mean, did they forget I was out there?! I knocked on the door and collected Miss Claire - who was very reluctant to leave all the attention - and we went home.

I know that she is awfully lovable, believe me, I do. And she loves attention from nice people and sweet dogs. But HELLO. I was freezing out there!!

Maybe they were nervous because I was hanging out in their backyard when they got home. I mean, I guess I can see how that might come across as a little weird and kind of creepy, now that I think about it...